English MMA rising star Paddy Pimblett is now presenting a strong case to becoming the next biggest name in the UFC.
Over the years, the UFC has housed a wide array of exceptional fighters from all walks of life. However, many are convinced that Conor McGregor is the most electrifying fighter the UFC has ever had.
Like most of the UFC champs before him, McGregor too is now seemingly entering the twilight years of his career. While it is true that it’s hard to find another “Notorious,” the UFC could already be looking at a possible successor in Paddy Pimblett.
Pimblett pursued an MMA career at a young age and became a Cage Warriors featherweight champion at age 21 in 2016. He was known for his incredible knockout power and ground game and this set of MMA skills did not go unnoticed.
The UFC reached out to Pimblett shortly after he drew attention as a Cage Warrior star. To everyone’s surprise, he turned down the famed MMA promotion’s offer not once, but twice. The reason? He just thought he wasn’t ready for it.
It was only this year when Pimblett finally joined the UFC and apparently, he was right about his decision to stall his debut with the promotion.
Pimblett was slated for a lightweight showdown against Luigi Vendramini at UFC Fight Night 191. There was so much hype around his debut and he didn’t fail to deliver.
Despite being rocked by Vendramini with a couple of hard shots to his head, Pimblett bounced back and finished his opponent, scoring a spectacular first-round KO win.
Since winning his maiden UFC fight, Pimblett’s career took a 360-degree turn. From being a hyped UFC newbie, he is now being likened to McGregor.
Indeed, Pimblett and McGregor have a lot in common. Aside from being both charismatic and flamboyant, the pair has also proven that they possess serious power in their fists.
Due to the consistent comparisons to McGregor, Pimblett was prompted to finally share his real thoughts about it. As expected, the 26-year-old reckoned that he sees himself becoming like the former UFC champ but he is certain he is about to make his own mark in the sport.
“I can see my career going in a similar path [as Conor McGregor],” Pimblett told Sportbible last month. “Obviously, it's flattering to be compared to him because he is the biggest name the sport has ever seen. And also to Michael Bisping because he's the first Brit to ever hold a title [in the UFC]. But I'm my own man.”
“No one is like me,” he continued. “Just like I'm not Conor McGregor and Michael Bisping. They're not Paddy the Baddy either, lad. I know where I'm heading. I'm going to be one of the biggest names this sport has ever seen.”
As things stand, the UFC is believed to be working on Pimblett’s next fight with veteran lightweight Tony Ferguson being touted as his opponent. But like McGregor, Pimblett is also a fighter who wants to call his own shots.
“F–k that, I’m not fighting a top 10 on the money I’m on, lad, Pimblett said on the “Anything Goes with James English” podcast. “Nick Peet was saying he’d like to see me against Tony Ferguson and, lad, I’d like to see me against Tony Ferguson, but not on the contract I’m on now. He’s still one of the best 155’ers in the world, lad. I want f—–g six figures, lad, then I’m fighting him.”
Follow Us
Subscribe